Who Has the Best Name in the Business?

A woman with a really cool name.

Sure this woman teaches, makes beautiful quilts, writes books, designs stencils and templates. But she also has that really cool name, Pepper Cory. With an unforgettable name like that, you have got it made baby!

(Although it's not easy having an unusual name. I should know, having been known as Salty Laura at one time.)

What I like about Pepper (other than her name) is that she loves all things textile. She has an affinity for antique and hand stitched fabrics. Her love of Sashiko is electric. And she has a beautiful way of talking about the world of fiber. You need to attend one of her lectures.

You also need to check out Pepper's blog today and win a copy of my book, Fanciful Stitches, Colorful Quilts!

 My friend, Jane La Fazio, has a sparkling personality. That may be because she's from the sparkly state of California. But most likely it's because she makes delightful art!

What I like about Jane's art is the layering of texture and line and color. Somehow she makes it all work together gracefully. Check out her new DVD (above) or a whole set of Tiny Tutorials on her blog. Or better yet, lets all go to San Miguel Allende in 2012 for her art retreat. I'll bring the popcorn.

Until then, visit Jane's blog today and you may win a copy of my new book, Fanciful Stitches, Colorful Quilts!

Publisher to the Stars!

Linda Teufel is my kind of entrepreneur. She started Dragon Threads Publishing in 1994 in order to make wonderful books about innovative techniques in quilting. Her impressive list of authors includes: Noriko Endo, Judith Baker Montano, Philippa Naylor, M. Joan Lintault, Vikki Pignatelli, and Barbara Olson. 

Wow! That's some fast company!

Linda is also an author. Maybe you've seen her book Fabric Origami? Or more recently, her book on  Koos van den Akker maker of one-of-a- kind couture pieces. But Linda's most important role is finding artists who create outstanding art quilts and publishing beautiful books to showcase them. She's a treasure in the world of art quilts.

Speaking of treasures. Please visit Linda's blog today and you may win a copy of my tasty book, Fanciful Stitches Colorful Quilts!

Quilters in High Water

The AQS show is a big adventure this year because Paducah sits on the banks of the high and mighty Ohio River. But we intrepid quilters are high and mighty too! We have set up our booth and are open for business. Here's Frieda searching for her hip boots.

Setting up a booth is both an art and a science. Having never been very good at science, I'm relying upon my art background to help me figure out where everything goes. By the last day of the show (Saturday) I'll have it figured out just in time to dismantle everything.

And as you can see we are housed in  a very large marshmallow. Come see us!

What Not to Wear

Judy Coates Perez, Tall and Talented

Meet my friend, Judy Coates Perez. For a tall, thin girl she sure is talented!

With her superior skills, Judy even has the ability to hand-paint a beautiful Christmas tree skirt to fit a short, round frame.
 

You probably know Judy for her award winning hand-painted whole cloth quilts. They are gorgeous!

But did you know that she is also an excellent teacher and can teach you how to make beautifully hand-painted fabrics either at your guild or online? Or, if you're a recluse like me, learn her techniques  from her great DVD from the comfort of your own home. Wear your Christmas tree skirt while watching. I do.

 And as long as you're wearing your skirt, why not visit Judy's blog today and leave a comment. You may win a copy of my book Fanciful Stitches, Colorful Quilts!

You have to admire Lyric Kinard. Not only was she able to get me to sing the Chicago School of Fusing Fight Song for her blog (see her post from yesterday) but here she is appearing cool as a cucumber.

Lyric is minutes away from filming her Quilting Arts Workshop DVD called Surface Design: Sampler Platter. We both were on set (as they say in show business) filming with Pokey Bolton of Quilting Arts on the same day. My most vivid memory of our filming was her shopping for fresh vegetables for a demo of fabric stamping with said vegetables.

The rest of the time was a show biz blur.